The name 86 (pronounced "eight-six" or Hachi-Roku (ハチロク) in Japanese, but more commonly pronounced as "eighty-six") leverages the AE86 generation of rear-wheel drive sports coupes and hatchbacks sold as the Toyota Sprinter Trueno and Toyota Corolla Levin from 1983 to 1987. The 86 has been marketed as the spiritual successor to these cars, referencing a heritage tracing back to the 1967 Toyota 2000GT (a front-engined, rear-drive sports car with a 2.0 litre engine whose design cues adorn the 86) and the 1965 Toyota Sports 800, Toyota's first sports car[2] (which also had a boxer engine).

Initial layout and design elements for the 86 were first presented via the Toyota FT-HSconcept car at the Detroit Motor Show in 2007. The FT-HS had a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout and 2+2 seating, but utilized a V6 engine with hybrid electric assistance. In 2008 Toyota bought 16.5% of Fuji Heavy Industries, parent to Subaru.[3] Toyota, led by project leader Tetsuya Tada,[4] offered Subaru involvement in their sport coupé project, co-developing a new boxer engine known as the D4-S,[5] but Subaru rejected plans for further development of a rear wheel drive sports coupe due to their vehicle line-up predominantly offering all-wheel drive. Subaru's balk led the project to a six month halt before Toyota invited journalists and Subaru engineers to test a developmental prototype to demonstrate the capabilities of the platform. Following the test, Subaru agreed to become further involved in development.[6]

The 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept

The new collaboration produced a new concept car in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the FT-86. Smaller than the FT-HS, the design of the FT-86 was further refined by Toyota's ED2 design studio while the hybrid V6 engine was replaced by the new D4-S boxer. Subaru provided the chassis and gearbox for the concept car, basing it on an Impreza. The concept was painted Shoujyouhi Red, based on the backside of a Japanese Macaque.[7]

The following year, Toyota launched their G Sports line of aftermarket accessories, and showed the FT-86 G Sports fitted with G Sports performance parts also at the Tokyo Motor Show. These parts included carbon fibre panels, a vented bonnet, rear wing, 19 in (48 cm) wheels, Recaro race seats, and an interior rollcage.[8] The D4-S engine also added a turbocharger.[9]

In 2011, Toyota and Subaru unveiled five near-production concept cars to show their progress with the project. The first, known as the FT-86 II Concept, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. ED2 refined the design of the initial FT-86, developing new front and rear fascias, and increasing the dimensions of the car by several millimeters.[10] At the same show Subaru unveiled a transparent silhouette concept car to show off the new D4-S boxer engine and display the "Boxer Sports Car Architecture".[11]

The first production Toyota 86 debuted at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. All variants are built at Subaru's Gunma Main Plant,[15] with the first cars assembled on 2 February before sales began in March and deliveries in April. 7,000 orders were placed for the Toyota 86 in the first month of production,[16] while Subaru took in 3,500 orders.[17]

In the United States, Scion were allocated 10,000 units of the 2013 model year (MY13) production,[18] while Subaru was limited to only 6,000 units.[19]

The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that uses Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine layout that runs on 98 RON (premium unleaded) fuel. Toyota added their D-4S injection system which uses both direct and port injection. The engine has a 12.5:1 compression ratio and a bore and stroke of 86 mm (3.4 in) that results in 200 horsepower (149 kW; 203 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb·ft (205 N·m) of torque at 6,000 rpm.[20] As part of the 86's low-weight design, the car utilizes an aluminium hood, a solid roof, and a trunk as opposed to a hatchback.[21][22] The boxer engine sits as far back and as low as possible in the engine bay for a weight distribution of 53% in front and 47% in the rear. The low-sitting engine provides a lower center of gravity, allowing the engine to sit lower than the Nissan GTR and just 0.6 inches higher than the Lexus LFA.[21]

The 86, BRZ and FR-S are offered with two 6-speed transmissions built by Aisin, a manual gearbox and an automatic transmission which is modified from the Lexus IS 250. The automatic uses a traditional wet torque converter design, but its software has been engineered to mimic the response of a dual-clutch gearbox. The automatic transmission uses three different modes: Sport, Snow, and Normal. A torque sensing limited slip differential is standard on most models.

The vehicles are offered with 16 in (41 cm) steel and alloy wheels shod with Yokohama dB Decibel E70 tyres in 205/55 size or 17 in (43 cm) alloy wheels shod with Michelin Primacy HP tyres (as used on the Toyota Prius) in 215/45 size, depending on sales market. The limited editions Toyota Racing Development (TRD) GT86 models are instead offered with 18 in (46 cm) forged aluminium wheels, which are shod with either Yokohama Advan Sport tyres Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres in 225/40 size, also depending on market. All non-TRD cars feature ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes on base models or, on higher models, also ventilated rear disc brakes with two piston-opposed calipers in the front and single caliper design in the rear. The TRD editions instead have an upgraded braking system comprising upsized TRD two-piece rotors and TRD six-pot 355mm front and four-pot 345mm rear calipers (compared to the GTS' 294mm and 290mm calipers and GT's 277mmm and 286mm, respectively). Suspension design comprises front MacPherson struts and double wishbones at the rear.

The 86 was designed around a front-mounted boxer engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, inspired by the AE86. The flat architecture of the boxer engine allows it to be mounted low, dropping the center of gravity down, resulting in sporty handling characteristics.[2] The exterior design of the 86 was inspired by the Toyota 2000GT's extremely low-to-the-ground profile and long, sleek hood. Its design cues translate onto the 86 in such areas as: upward trailing edge of the doors; the upward finish to the side-window line; the front and rear haunches; the circular taillights set in silver (singular instead of double as on the 2000GT).

According to the 86's designers, "The goal was to create an authentic rear-wheel drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG."[2] When asked about the TRD version of the car, the lead engineer Mr. Tada said "There is definitely going to be a more TRD oriented variant down the line. However any of the parts that would be standard on the TRD model will fit on your current Toyota 86 so there is no need to wait."[23]

The 86 "boxer" side badge appears on all Toyota and Scion versions of the car, but not the Subaru BRZ. Aside from badging, the main differences between the 86/GT86 and the BRZ are the front grilles and bumper bars. The rest, including the 17 inch alloy wheels, are shared.

The optional upgraded interior of a North American Subaru BRZ, equipped with leather and Alcantara seats, push-button start, and automatic climate control

The interior features a 2+2 seating configuration, which utilizes low mounted front seats. The rear seats fold down enabling increased storage space for larger items.[21] Three interior variations exist, the FR-S and base 86 models have cloth seats with all black interior trim that features a black patterned dash trim, while the shift boot features red stitching. The BRZ has two available interiors, one identical to the FR-S but with silver dash trim, a red stitched parking brake boot, black gauge faces (instead of the white tachometer of the 86 GTS models) and a touch-screen navigation head unit; the second option upgrades to leather and Alcantara heated seats, automatic HVAC controls, and a push-button start. The top-of-the-range 86 models are fitted like the BRZ except as noted above, and the Japanese interior can be had in black/red leather and Alcantara or full black leather and Alcantara (Australia being offered only the latter).

The Toyota 86 is available in Japan from Toyota's Netz Store line of dealerships. Four trim levels are offered, with the RC model being the base aimed at people wishing to modify or race their vehicles. This model is available with only a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with unpainted bumpers and mirrors, 16 inch steel wheels, simpler interior trim components, analogue speedometer and no stereo or air conditioning. Outside of Japan, the RC model is only available in New Zealand. The G model adds all the interior components missing from the RC, plus a fully painted exterior and 16 inch alloy wheels and the availability of an automatic transmission. The GT86 model adds high intensity discharge headlights with LEDdaytime running lights, fog lamps, automatic climate control, keyless start with engine start button, 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips, white tachometer face with analogue and digital speedometer, silver accents on the centre dash and steering wheel, aluminium pedals. The top-of-the-range GT Limited adds leather and Alcantara seating and a rear spoiler.

In Europe, all GT86 models are equivalent to the Japanese 86 GT with a red/black leather/Alcantara interior with red stitching. In the United Kingdom, the car was also available as a limited edition Toyota Racing Development "TRD GT86" with features including: 18 inch forged aluminium wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres; full bodykit with front and side skirts, rear spoiler and new diffuser; quad-exhaust system; TRD-branded detailing on the filler cap, radiator cap and gear knob. In New Zealand, the TRD 86 is sold with the above features except for Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres instead plus upgraded TRD braking system. Options not available to all markets include a Bose sound system upgrade.

A 2012 Toyota 86 GTS (Australia)

In Australia, the GT is the equivalent of the Japanese G model but with only an all black interior trim and standard radio head unit, whereas the top-of-the-range GTS model is the equivalent of the Japanese GT Limited except for an all black leather/Alcantara and red-stitch interior trim only and touchscreen multimedia head unit. Upon Australian launch in June 2012, all models for Australia featured a full-size spare wheel, the GTS lacked a rear spoiler, and a limited slip differential or LSD was standard on all models except automatic GT's.[28] The full-size spare wheel was phased out after the first shipments to Australia, replaced with a repair kit. This model also benefitted from a remapping of its Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to address initial reports of rough idling and stalling.[29] The range of models and main options had the following retail prices: GT manual A$29,990; GT automatic A$32,490; GTS manual A$35,490; GTS automatic A$37,990; metallic paint A$425 for all models; "Aero pack" bodykit A$3,000 for GTS only.

As of the August 2013 production update (which carried the formal year designation MY14), the automatic GT also gained LSD as standard (but with a price increase of A$300; manual price unchanged in Australia) and the GTS gained the same rear spoiler fitted to the Japanese GTS Limited and the Subaru BRZ (with a price increase of A$500 for both the manual and automatic model in Australia).[30] Other distinguishing features on the MY14 models include the removal of the lettered "TOYOTA" badge from the rear bonnet of the GTS and optional availability of rear parking sonar sensors on GT and GTS.

In July 2014, an updated version of the Australian Toyota 86 range was launched with year designation MY15. The key highlights include: revised suspension settings; "shark-fin" roof antenna; GTS instrument cluster on GT; carbon-fibre look dash insert and reverse-view camera on GTS; new white and silver exterior paints. The price of the GT remained unchanged while the GTS was the subject of a price increase of A$500 and A$800 for the manual and automatic version, respectively.[31]

In late 2014, as part of its MY15 range, Toyota offered in the UK two new models: the GT86 Aero, featuring a full bodykit and 18 inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels in anthracite grey finish; and the GT86 "Giallo" (meaning yellow in Italian), limited to only 86 units.[32] Similar to the latter, Toyota also offered in Italy a total of 50 "Limited Edition" models.[33] Externally, the key distinguishing feature of these limited editions is the new "Sunrise yellow" metallic paint and black side stripes (bonnet, roof and bonnet stripes are available in the UK at no extra cost and standard in Italy). The interior is distinguished by a limited edition badge and heated quilt leather seats with yellow 86 logo. The retail price of the Limited Edition in Italy is EUR1,700 than the standard base model or EUR3,200 if optional leather seats are selected on the base vehicle.[34]

At the same time in Japan, Toyota released the 14R-60 model limited to 100 units, inspired by the GT86 TRD Griffon Project of 2013. Its engine power remains the same as the standard models despite featuring various drivetrain changes such as twin central exhausts, a TRD mechanical LSD, a short-shifter, and revised gearing for the six-speed manual transmission. Other changes include extra body reinforcement, a variable-height coil-over spring suspension setup and more rigid suspension bushings. A TRD bodykit with carbonfibre components is complemented by 18 inch magnesium wheels and, overall, 14R-60 model results lighter than the base model. Inside there are race-style bucket seats with four-point belts, an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, carbonfibre dashboard trim and yellow piping and highlights. Price-wise, this Japan-only model is listed for ¥6,300,000, which is significantly higher than the ¥2,100,000 for the base RC model or ¥3,100,000 for the top-of-the-range GT Limited.[35]

In 2015, the 86xstyle Cb was officially launched after its presentations at the 2013 and 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon. It is characherised by a drastically different front end design with revised lights and bumper bar but standard bonnet. Available in 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, it has revised interior trimmings including a red Cb logo embroided leather steering wheel, white (instead of red) backlit instruments and a dark woodgrain-style panel across the dashboard. The most peculiar features are the replacement of the front side gills with a set of LED-illuminated fins and optional contrasting colour for the car’s upper body section. Another option is different alloy wheels than those fitted as standard on the GT86. On sale from April, this Japan-only model is listed for ¥4,180,000, which is a ¥1,280,000 premium over the regular 86 GT on which this variant is based.[36]

The BRZ's name comes from three elements: Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Z standing for the zenith.[37] The Subaru BRZ differs from the 86's design in the front fascia, with a different grill and headlight assembly, as well as a different front fender vent. The BRZ's grill is hexagonal in shape, compared to the Toyota's trapezoid. The BRZ features a wraparound of LED parking lights in the headlight assembly, while daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper. The suspension setup of the Subaru is different from the Toyota.[38] Like the Japanese Toyota 86, Subaru offers an RA base model lacking most interior comforts and utilizing 16 inch steel wheels, with the only difference from the 86 RC being that the BRZ RA's bumpers are painted the same color as the body. Two main trim levels are offered: R trim, known as Premium in North America, and S trim, known as Limited in North America. European and Australian BRZs offer a Toyota stereo unit, while Japanese and North American vehicles use a Subaru unit. Australian BRZ's were originally available for sale only online.

In 2013, Subaru unveiled a BRZ tS model for the Japanese market, tuned by STi. The tS model features an improved suspension setup, 18 inch silver BBS wheels, STi bodykit and front spoiler, a larger drive shaft, and Brembo brakes, along with interior changes to include a new steering wheel, front seat, gauges, and Alcantara accents.[39] A further tS GT Package includes Recaro seats, black BBS wheels, and an adjustable carbon fibre rear wing. The tS is limited to 500 units in total, with a maximum of 250 of them being the GT package.[40]

In 2014, as part of running changes consistent with those of the MY15 Toyota 86 GTS, the Subaru BRZ also featured a new key fob and two new colours, including ‘WR Blue Pearl’ metallic finish.[41] In addition, Subaru also launched special editions both for the United States and Australia markets. For the former, one thousand BRZ Series.Blue editions were marketed at additional cost, half in painted in Blue Pearl and the other half in Crystal Pearl White. This model featured STi body kit parts, 17-inch STi black alloy wheels and red brake calipers. For Australia, Subaru launched a similar variant known as the Special Edition, also at additional cost. It featured stripes across the bonnet, boot and roof; 17-inch STi black alloy wheels; STi boot spoiler plus front, side and rear-side under spoilers; a rear diffuser and a push-button starter switch. It was available in every existing BRZ paint hue.[42]

The Scion FR-S is exclusive to the United States and Canada. Its name is derived from a description of the platform: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport.[12] Unlike all other 86 variants, the FR-S originally had no trim levels and are all offered with Scion's BeSpoke stereo system. Later, Scion also released a "Monogram Edition" (with features similar to the BRZ Limited)[citation needed] and the 1.0 Release series.[citation needed] In 2013, to celebrate its 10th anniversary Scion released the "Scion 10 Series" across its 2014 model year (MY14) range of vehicles, under the marketing banner of "Sc10n". This included 2500 FR-S models exclusively painted in "Silver Ignition" paint and fitted with extra equipment. With a US$2,630 premium,[43] it featured HID headlights, automatic climate control, push button start, illuminated exterior badges plus shifter knob.[44]

As part of the Subaru BRZ market launch, a 2-part movie documenting the vehicle's development was produced.[45] In Canada, a TV commercial titled Scorched was produced by OMD, with creative from DDB. The execution was handled by DDB PR with Juxta Productions working on the interior. The commercial was shot at Queen and McCaul St. in Toronto.[46][47][48][49]

As part of Subaru BRZ launch in Australia, the Subaru BRZ was the first car ever to be sold new by a manufacturer online on that market, with orders opening on 16 July 2012. It was also marketed with free servicing for 3 years or 60,000 km. According to Subaru this sale concept was a success, after the entire 2012 Australian allocation of 201 cars was sold in under 3 hours. The first buyer was able to secure their car in less than 20 minutes from the site going live. The process was implemented as a reaction to demand for the Toyota 86 far outstripping supply (resulting in long delivery times) and even lower BRZ supplies. As of 1 January 2014, the vehicle became available both online and at dealerships, with free servicing no longer included in the purchase.[50]

Scion made a similar decision in the United States, creating the 'First 86' program to allow 86 buyers to take delivery of their cars before the general public sales. On 12 January 2012 users had eight hours and six minutes to submit their requests to a program website. Winners were required to take their confirmation number and $500 to a dealer within 96 hours to claim their cars.[51] Scion produced a commercial called Close Call featuring Ken Gushi avoided collision with a deer while driving Scion FR-S in Mt. Diablo State Park in Northern California.[52]

A British Toyota GT86 commercial titled The Real Deal was banned for encouraging motorists to drive irresponsibly.[53]

Car of the Year by Top Gear magazine (and Jeremy Clarkson) who also crowned it Coupe of the Year and winner of the Top Gear Speed Week (against competition including the McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 Carrera S and Lotus Exige S);[54]

In 2011, with the unveiling of the Super BRZ Concept STi, Subaru also unveiled their latest entry in the Super GT series' GT300-category. R&D Sport would develop the BRZ GT300 to replace their Legacy for the 2012 season.[66] The BRZ GT300 does not utilize the production car's FA20 engine, instead opting for the Legacy's EJ20 engine.

Toyota, in partnership with Gazoo Racing, announced plans to develop the 86 for motorsport use in multiple disciplines. Toyota and Gazoo will support private teams in the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship.[67] Gazoo Racing entered 86s in the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning their SP3 class in 2012. Privateers Toyota Swiss Racing also claimed the V3 category in the same year.[68] In the United Kingdom, GPRM is developing a turbocharged version of the 86 for classification in the SRO Group's GT4 category for use in Europe. The engine developments are being carried out by Nicholson McLaren Engines.[69]

In October 2012, Toyota Racing Development and Gazoo Racing announced a production racing model for the Toyota 86. The 86 Racing adds brake and oil cooler modifications, as well as a 4-point racing harness and rollcage. The stock 86 wheels are replaced by simple steel rims, while the exterior colour was only available in white.[75] Subaru followed in early 2013 with the BRZ RA Racing, featuring similar modifications. Both cars are only available in the Japanese market, and are eligible for a one-make racing series run by Gazoo Racing. Unlike the Toyota, the BRZ is available in any of the production car's colours.[76][77]

There are 3 versions of 2013 Scion FR-S built with $15,000 build budget, created as part of the eighth annual Scion Tuner Challenge. The FR-S Tuner Challenge vehicles are the: Carbon Stealth FR-S" by John Toca of Chicago, Illinois; FR-S GT by Daniel Song of Orange County, California; Minty FReSh by Chris Basselgia of Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

At the January 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru unveiled a BRZ Premium Sport Package concept featuring various STi parts as well as 19 inch BBS wheels and a carbon fiber roof.

Toyota 86 concepts - Tokyo Auto Salon (2013)

86×style Cb is a version of Toyota 86 built by Gazoo Racing features a completely remodeled front designed to appeal to female drivers.[80]

Toyota GT86 Modellista is a version of Toyota 86 with new side skirts, rear bumper and diffuser, a special lip spoiler, 18 inch matte chrome “Wing Dancer II” wheels with 225/40 Toyo tires, a two-tone black and red interior, instrument cluster and interior panels are in a red metal finish.[81]

TOM'S N086V is a version of Toyota 86 with a GRV6 engine rated at 298 kW (400 hp).[82]

The FT-86 Open concept was a convertible concept vehicle based on Toyota 86. It included electrically operated multi-layered fabric roof with glass, high-contrast white and navy blue interior and exterior designed by Toyota Boshoku Milan Design (TBMD) to capture the spirit and atmosphere of Milan, white body colour, yellow-gold stitching in the floor mats and seats. It was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013,[85][86] followed by the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show(with Flash Red body colour and electrically operated soft top)[87][88]

However, Subaru brand chief Yasuyuki Yoshinaga has said that a convertible 86 would need a complete redesign to meet safety standards and that it is unlikely to happen.[89]

Subaru Cross Sport design concept (2013)

Also seen at the Tokyo Motor Show, this vehicle was presented as a combination of ‘sport’ and ‘utility’ adopting a heavily BRZ inspired shooting-brake body shape. Its compact body measured an overall length of 4,300 mm (169.3 in) and was described as what Subaru perceives to be the next trend in urban SUVs.[90][91]